Systems and methods for visualizing below an opaque compression paddle

ABSTRACT

A system for imaging a breast includes a gantry and a tube head rotatably coupled thereto. An x-ray source is disposed within the tube head. A support arm is movably coupled to the gantry and includes a breast support platform. An x-ray detector is disposed within the breast support platform and a compression arm is movably coupled to the support arm. An opaque breast compression paddle is coupled to the compression arm. The breast support platform and the opaque compression paddle at least partially define a compression volume for compressing a breast and a camera is arranged to capture images of the compression volume. An image display is at least partially disposed on the system and is configured to display the images of the compression volume captured by the camera.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/214,178, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,627,921, filed Mar. 26, 2021, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/000,801, filedon Mar. 27, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Compression during mammography and tomosynthesis imaging serves a numberof purposes. For example, it: (1) makes the breast thinner in thedirection of x-ray flux and thereby reduces patient radiation exposurefrom the level required to image the thicker parts of a breast that arenot compressed; (2) makes the breast more uniform in thickness in thedirection of x-ray flux and thereby facilitates more uniform exposure atthe image plane over the entire breast image; (3) immobilizes the breastduring the x-ray exposure and thereby reduces image blurring; and (4)brings breast tissues out from the chest wall into the imaging exposurefield and thus allows for more tissue imaging. As the breast is beingcompressed, typically a technologist manipulates the breast to positionit appropriately and counter the tendency that compression has ofpushing breast tissue toward the chest wall and out of the image field.

Rigid paddles, or those utilizing a thick compressive foam element, maybe utilized in breast imaging procedures. Foam compressive elements,while more comfortable, can greatly reduce visibility of the breast toan x-ray technologist.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the technology relates to a system for imaging a breast,the system including: a gantry; a tube head rotatably coupled to thegantry; an x-ray source disposed within the tube head; a support armmovably coupled to the gantry, wherein the support arm includes a breastsupport platform; an x-ray detector disposed within the breast supportplatform; a compression arm movably coupled to the support arm; anopaque breast compression paddle coupled to the compression arm, whereinthe breast support platform and the opaque compression paddle at leastpartially define a compression volume for compressing a breast; at leastone camera arranged so as to capture images of the compression volume;and an image display at least partially disposed on the system, whereinthe image display is configured to display the images of the compressionvolume captured by the at least one camera. In an example, the imagedisplay includes at least one of an LED display, an LCD display, and ascreen. In another example, the image display includes a screen and thesystem further includes a projector disposed on at least one of the tubehead and the support arm. In yet another example, the screen issubstantially convex. In still another example, the at least one cameraincludes a plurality of cameras.

In another example of the above aspect, at least one camera is securedto at least one of the support arm, the compression arm, and the opaquecompression paddle. In another example, the plurality of cameras aredistributed along an edge of the compression volume. In yet anotherexample, the projector includes a plurality of projectors. In stillanother example, the screen is disposed on the compression paddle, alonga path of an x-ray emitted from the x-ray source.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of displaying animage of a breast in a breast compression system having a breast supportplatform and a breast compression paddle, the method including:supporting the breast on the beast support platform; imaging at least aportion of the supported breast with at least one camera disposed on thebreast compression system; and displaying at least a portion of theimage. In an example, the image is displayed on a display. In anotherexample, displaying the image includes projecting the image to a screen.In yet another example, the at least one camera includes a plurality ofcameras and wherein the imaging operation includes imaging differentportions of the supported breast with the plurality of cameras so as toobtain multiple images. In still another example, the displayingoperation includes displaying the multiple images and at least partiallyoverlapping adjacent portions of the multiple images.

In another example of the above aspect, the multiple images includeimages of at least a top surface and at least a side surface of thebreast. In another example, the image is a moving image. In yet anotherexample, the method includes detecting contact between at least aportion of the breast compression paddle and the breast. In stillanother example, the image is a moving image and wherein the methodfurther includes freezing display of the moving image based at least inpart on the detected contact. In another example, the method furtherincludes emitting an x-ray towards the breast and through the screenbased at least in part on the detected contact.

In another aspect, the technology relates to an upgrade system for abreast x-ray imaging system including a tube head, a compressionassembly, and a compression paddle, the upgrade system including: acamera; a bracket for connecting the camera to the compression assembly;a display for displaying an image obtained by the camera; a securementelement for connecting the display to the breast imaging system; and atransmission cable connectable to the camera. In an example, the displayincludes at least one of an LCD screen and an LED screen, wherein thesecurement element includes a bracket for connecting the display to atleast one of the compression assembly and the compression paddle, andwherein the transmission cable is connectable to the display. In anotherexample, the display includes a projector, wherein the securementelement includes a bracket for connecting the projector to the tubehead, and wherein the transmission cable is connectable to theprojector. In yet another example, a sheet material is securable to thecompression paddle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of an exemplary imaging system.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the imaging system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a breast compression paddle having afoam compressive element.

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged perspective view of an imaging systemhaving an example of a camera imaging and display system.

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged perspective view of an imaging systemhaving another example of a camera imaging and display system.

FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged perspective view of an imaging systemhaving another example of a camera imaging and display system.

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of a camera imaging and display systemutilizing multiple cameras.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an example display for a camera imagingand display system.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an imaging system utilizinganother example of a display.

FIG. 9 depicts a method of displaying an image of a breast in a breastcompression system.

FIG. 10 depicts an upgrade system for a breast x-ray imaging system.

FIG. 11 depicts an example of a suitable operating environment in whichone or more of the present examples can be implemented.

FIG. 12 depicts an example of a network in which the various systems andmethods disclosed herein may operate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of an exemplary imaging system 100. FIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the imaging system 100. Referring concurrentlyto FIGS. 1A and 1B, not every element described below is depicted inboth figures. The imaging system 100 immobilizes a patient's breast 102for x-ray imaging (either or both of mammography and tomosynthesis) viaa breast compression immobilizer unit 104 that includes a static breastsupport platform 106 and a moveable compression paddle 108. The breastsupport platform 106 and the compression paddle 108 each have acompression surface 110 and 112, respectively, that move towards eachother to compress and immobilize the breast 102. In known systems, thecompression surface 110, 112 is exposed so as to directly contact thebreast 102. Either or both of these compression surfaces 110, 112 may berigid plastic, a flexible plastic, a resilient foam, and so on. Examplesof compression paddles having resilient foam compression surfaces aredescribed herein. The platform 106 also houses an image receptor 116and, optionally, a tilting mechanism 118, and optionally an anti-scattergrid (not depicted, but disposed above the image receptor 116). Theimmobilizer unit 104 is in a path of an imaging beam 120 emanating fromx-ray source 122, such that the beam 120 impinges on the image receptor116.

The immobilizer unit 104 is supported on a first support arm 124 via acompression arm 134, which is configured to be raised and lowered alongthe support arm 124. The x-ray source 122 is supported on a secondsupport arm, also referred to as a tube head 126. For mammography,support arms 124 and 126 can rotate as a unit about an axis 128 betweendifferent imaging orientations such as CC and MLO, so that the system100 can take a mammogram projection image at each orientation. Inoperation, the image receptor 116 remains in place relative to theplatform 106 while an image is taken. The immobilizer unit 104 releasesthe breast 102 for movement of arms 124, 126 to a different imagingorientation. For tomosynthesis, the support arm 124 stays in place, withthe breast 102 immobilized and remaining in place, while at least thesecond support arm 126 rotates the x-ray source 122 relative to theimmobilizer unit 104 and the compressed breast 102 about the axis 128.The system 100 takes plural tomosynthesis projection images of thebreast 102 at respective angles of the beam 120 relative to the breast102.

Concurrently and optionally, the image receptor 116 may be tiltedrelative to the breast support platform 106 and in sync with therotation of the second support arm 126. The tilting can be through thesame angle as the rotation of the x-ray source 122, but may also bethrough a different angle selected such that the beam 120 remainssubstantially in the same position on the image receptor 116 for each ofthe plural images. The tilting can be about an axis 130, which can butneed not be in the image plane of the image receptor 116. The tiltingmechanism 118 that is coupled to the image receptor 116 can drive theimage receptor 116 in a tilting motion. For tomosynthesis imaging and/orCT imaging, the breast support platform 106 can be horizontal or can beat an angle to the horizontal, e.g., at an orientation similar to thatfor conventional MLO imaging in mammography. The system 100 can besolely a mammography system, a CT system, or solely a tomosynthesissystem, or a “combo” system that can perform multiple forms of imaging.An example of such a combo system has been offered by the assigneehereof under the trade name Selenia Dimensions.

When the system is operated, the image receptor 116 produces imaginginformation in response to illumination by the imaging beam 120, andsupplies it to an image processor 132 for processing and generatingbreast x-ray images. A system control and work station unit 138including software controls the operation of the system and interactswith the operator to receive commands and deliver information includingprocessed-ray images.

The imaging system 100 includes a floor mount or base 140 for supportingthe imaging system 100 on a floor. A gantry 142 extends upwards from thefloor mount 140 and rotatably supports both the tube head 208 and asupport arm 210. The tube head 126 and support arm 124 are configured torotate discretely from each other and may also be raised and loweredalong a face 144 of the gantry 142 so as to accommodate patients ofdifferent heights. The x-ray source 122 is disposed within the tube head208. Together, the tube head 126 and support arm 124 may be referred toas a C-arm 144.

A number of interfaces and display screens are disposed on the imagingsystem 100. These include a foot display screen 146, a gantry interface148, a support arm interface 150, and a compression arm interface 152.In general the various interfaces 148, 150, and 152 may include one ormore tactile buttons, knobs, switches, as well as one or more displayscreens, including capacitive touch screens with graphic user interfaces(GUIs) so as to enable user interaction with and control of the imagingsystem 100. In general, the foot display screen 146 is primarily adisplay screen, though a capacitive touch screen might be utilized ifrequired or desired. Any of the screen 146, or interfaces 148, 150, and152 may be utilized with the technologies described further herein toimprove visualization of the breast below the compression paddle 108,especially paddles utilizing thick opaque foams as compressive surfaces,which decreases visibility of a breast. Other configurations are furtherdescribed below.

One challenge with the imaging system 100 is how to immobilize andcompress the breast 102 for the desired or required imaging. A healthprofessional, typically an x-ray technologist, generally adjusts thebreast 102 within the immobilizer unit 104 while pulling tissue towardsimaging area and moving the compression paddle 108 toward the breastsupport platform 106 to immobilize the breast 102 and keep it in place,with as much of the breast tissue as practicable being between thecompression surfaces 110, 112. This can be particularly challenging forsystems 100 that utilize paddles having opaque foams. The opaque foamobscures or even eliminates visibility into the compressive volume 160,defined as the volume between the lowest surface of the compressionpaddle 108 (or foam compressive element 202) and the highest surface ofthe support platform 106.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a breast compression paddle 200 having afoam compressive element 202 secured to a rigid substrate 204. Thepaddle 200 includes a bracket portion 206, generally integral with thesubstrate 204 for connecting the paddle 200 to a compression arm of animaging system. The paddle 200 also includes a leading face 208,opposite the bracket portion 206, which is disposed proximate a chestwall of a patient during compression and imaging procedures. Inexamples, the substrate may be rigid. As used herein, the term “rigid”does not imply that the substrate 204 is free from bending duringcompression of a breast, rather that the substrate 204 displays greaterresistance to bending or deformation than the foam compressive element202 secured to a bottom of the substrate 204. Raised walls 204 a provideadditional rigidity.

The foam compressive element 202 may be secured to a bottom surface ofthe substrate 204 with mechanical fasteners or chemical adhesives. Thefoam compressive element 202 includes a number of edge surfaces. Aleading edge surface 210 is disposed proximate the leading face 208 ofthe substrate 204 so as to be disposed proximate the chest wall of apatient during compression and imaging procedures. A trailing edgesurface 212 is disposed opposite the leading edge surface 210, proximatethe bracket portion 206. Lateral edge surfaces 214, 216 are alsodepicted. In general, these lateral edge surfaces 214, 216 may bedepicted as inner or outer lateral edge surfaces, consistent withterminology typically used to describe inner and outer sides of thebreast. Of course, a person of skill in the art will recognize that thesame compression paddle 200 may be used to compress either breast, oneat a time, which would effectively change the application of the terms“inner” and “outer” to the lateral edge surfaces of the foam compressivematerial 202. Regardless of specific dimensions, the opaque foamcompressive element can block visibility of the breast, thus makingpositioning thereof difficult.

The technologies described herein utilize a visualization system of oneor more cameras used to capture image(s) of a breast as a compressionpaddle (largely opaque due to the utilization of a thick foamcompressive element). These images are displayed in a location proximatethe compression paddle, support arm, or other component of the systemand thus visible to the technician. The one or more cameras can captureimages of discrete locations of the breast (e.g., the nipple, side,upper surface, etc.) and display those areas as discrete images or maycombine them into a display that mimics the size and/or shape of thebreast. As the technologist grabs and manipulates the breast, theresulting position of the breast will be visible on the display andcompression and imaging may then be performed.

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged perspective view of an imaging system, suchas the imaging system 100 first depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, having anexample of a camera imaging and display system. Not every component ofthe imaging system 100 is depicted in this partial view. The imagingsystem 100 includes a gantry 142 having rotatably connected thereto atube head 126. A support arm 124 is separately connected to the gantry142. A compression arm 134 is movably connected to the support arm 124and acts as a connection for a compression paddle 200. The compressionpaddle 200 is connected at a bracket 206 and includes a rigid substrate204. A foam compressive element 202 is secured to a lower portion of therigid substrate 204, as described elsewhere herein. Typically, as abreast (a phantom 300 is depicted) is being positioned by atechnologist, the technologist will often stand in positions in front ofand to the side of the patient (for example, to the left or the right ofthe support platform 106 and compression paddle 200). For breast imagingprocedures using a substantially transparent compression paddle, such aposition allows for good access to and visibility of the breast.However, for compression paddles 200 that utilize a foam compressiveelement 202, visibility is hindered or eliminated. As such, the imagingsystem 100 includes a camera 302 to capture images of the breast. Thecamera 302 may be in a discrete housing 304, or may be located within aportion of the support arm 124, or the support platform 106. One or morelenses 306 that increase the field of view of the camera 302 (e.g., fisheye, wide angle, etc.) may be utilized. In the depicted orientation, thecamera 302 is located at an interface of a vertical portion of thesupport arm 124 and the horizontal support platform 106. This locationgives good visibility to a forward portion of the breast 300, e.g., thenipple area. The camera 302 may be of a motion capture-type, or maycapture still images at predetermined intervals.

The images captured by the camera 302 may be sent to a system control(such as depicted in FIG. 1A), or may be processed by a dedicated systemdisposed within the camera housing 304 or other component of the imagingsystem 100. The images may then be sent to a display 308 that may bedisposed in various locations on the imaging system 100. In examples,the display may be disposed on the gantry 142, tube head 126, or thesupport arm 124, in a location conveniently visible to the technologist.In the depicted configuration, the display 308 may be disposed on anupper portion of the compression arm 134. The display may be an LCD orother type of display with sufficient resolution to enable thetechnologist to easily view the displayed images. The images may beprocessed as required or desired and displayed in an upright, inverted,mirrored, or other orientation, which may increase usability andacceptance of the display. The orientation of the displayed images maychange based on the location of the technologist or otherconsiderations. The technologist may control capture or display of theimages at one or more of the interfaces 150, 152, (or interface 148 orscreen 146, neither of which are depicted in this figure). In addition,the images may be displayed on any of the interfaces 148, 150, or 152,or screen 146, as required or desired for a particular application.Having a dedicated display 308, however, may desirable.

The camera 302 and display 308 may be discrete units that arebattery-powered and may communicate via a wired or wireless connection(such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other communication system). Either orboth of the camera 302 and battery 308 may be battery-powered, or may bepowered by the system 100 itself. In the case of battery-poweredcomponents that communicate wirelessly, the camera 302 and display 308may be sold separately or as a kit. Each component may includemechanical, fabric hook-and-loop (sold under the brand name VELCRO),and/or adhesive fasteners that allow the components to be secured to anappropriate location of the system. Such a configuration would enable anexisting imaging system 100 to be enhanced as described herein, withoutrequiring an expensive or time-consuming redesign, or downtime of theimaging system.

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged perspective view of an imaging system, suchas the imaging system 100 first depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, havinganother example of a camera imaging and display system. Not everycomponent of the imaging system 100 is depicted in this partial view.Further, a number of components are depicted in FIG. 4 , but aredescribed above with regard to other figures; as such, those componentsare not necessarily described further. A significant difference betweenthe system of FIG. 4 and that depicted in FIG. 3 relates to the type ofdisplay 308 utilized. In FIG. 4 , the display 308 is incorporated intothe paddle 200 itself, as a screen. A projector 310 is disposed on thetube head 126, for example, in a location that is out of the path of theemitted x-ray. In another example, the projector 310 may be disposed onthe support arm 124. The projector 310 projects the images onto thescreen 308. Since the foam compressive element 202 is opaque, thatelement may act as the screen 308 itself. Thus, the images are projectedonto the surface of the foam compressive element 202. In anotherexample, the rigid substrate 204 of the compression paddle 200 may beformed of an opaque material which may function as the screen 308. Inyet another example, the screen 308 may be an opaque film, flexiblematerial, or rigid material that is secured to the rigid substrate 204.Since the screen 308 in FIG. 4 lies within the x-ray emission path, thescreen 308 must be radiolucent.

Like the examples depicted above, the various components of the cameraand display system of FIG. 4 may be integrated into the imaging system100 itself or sold as discrete components (e.g., which may be used toimprove existing imaging systems). In an examples, a battery-powered andBluetooth-capable camera 302 and projector 310 may be sold with adiscrete screen 308. Each component may be secured to an appropriatelocation on the imaging system 100 as required or desired.

FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged perspective view of an imaging system, suchas the imaging system 100 first depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, havinganother example of a camera imaging and display system. Not everycomponent of the imaging system 100 is depicted in this partial view.Further, a number of components are depicted in FIG. 5 , but aredescribed above with regard to other figures. As such, those componentsare not necessarily described further. The system 100 of FIG. 5 utilizesa projector 310 and display screen 308, as described above with regardto FIG. 4 . Notably, however, the camera 302 is mounted to an undersideof the compression arm 134 and is again pointed directly at the nippleend of the breast 300. The close proximity to the foam compressiveelement 202, however, may increase the likelihood that the view of thecamera 302 may be blocked. As such, the depicted foam compressiveelement 202 includes a cut-out 312 or otherwise has a portion of thefoam compressive element 202 removed, so that the line of sight 314 fromthe lens 306 to the breast 300 remains unobstructed. This cut-out 312may extend along a portion of the compressive element 202 so as toincrease visibility of the breast 300 for as long as possible as thecompression arm 134 lowers the compression paddle 200. Of course, in anyof the configurations depicted herein, the line of sight 314 of thecamera 302 may ultimately be obscured by the foam compressive element202. However, by removing portions of the foam compressive element 202unlikely to contact the breast 300, line of sight 314 to the breast 300may be maintained for a longer period of time as the compression arm 134is lowered towards the breast 300. In another example, the display 308mounted on the compression arm 204 may be utilized in conjunction withthis camera 302 position. This may advantageously allow for a simplifiedwired connection between those two components.

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of a camera imaging and display system400 utilizing multiple cameras 402-410. FIG. 6 depicts a breast supportplatform 412 and a breast compression paddle 414. These componentscompress a breast 416 there between. Five cameras 402-410 are depictedin various positions and orientations generally around and pointingtowards the compressive volume 405. This figure is illustrative ofvarious positions and orientations in which cameras 402-410 may bedisposed. Multiple cameras may be used to capture images of variousportions of the breast 416 and only a few particular arrangements aredescribed. Other positions and orientations are contemplated. Forcontext, the description of FIG. 6 begins with camera 406 which may beaxially aligned along axis A with the breast 416 (e.g., at the nipplethereof). Axis A is also substantially orthogonal to a front wall 418 ofthe support platform 412 (and/or the compression paddle 414). In thisposition and orientation, images primarily of the front portion F of thebreast 416 may be obtained by camera 406. Further, depending on themounting height of the camera 406, images of all or part of the uppersurface of the breast 416 may also be obtained. Regardless, ifadditional images are desired, other cameras positioned in otherpositions and orientations may be utilized.

Cameras 402, 410, for example, may be used to capture images of theright side portion R and the left side portion L of the breast 416,respectively. These cameras 402, 410 may be arranged along an axis Bthat is substantially orthogonal to axis A and may be parallel to thefront wall 418. When utilized in conjunction with camera 406, aconsiderable amount of the front F and side portions L, R of the breastmay be imaged. Cameras 404, 408 may also be used to capture the rightside portion R and the left side portion L of the breast 416,respectively. Cameras 404, 408 are disposed such that their lines ofsight (along axes C and D, respectively) are both non-parallel andnon-orthogonal to each of axis A, axis B, and front wall 418. Thisconfiguration enables cameras 404, 408 to capture images of all or partof the front portion F of the breast 416. In such a case, it is possiblethat cameras 404, 408 may be able to capture images of the entireperiphery of the breast 416. In examples, one or more of the cameras402-410 may be positioned as to extend upwards from the support platform412. In other examples, one or more of the cameras 402-410 may besecured to the compression paddle 414 or compression arm (not shown). Inanother example, one or more of the cameras 402-410 may be secured tothe compression paddle 414, so as to hang at or slightly beneath thebottommost surface of the foam compressive element (not shown). Further,as described above with regard to FIG. 5 , portions of the foamcompressive element may be cut away, removed, or otherwise not presentso as to improve line of sight from a camera 402-410 to the breast 416.Regardless of position, it is desirable that the cameras 402-410 aredisposed outside the field of emission of the x-ray source, so as toprevent generation of artifacts in the resulting x-ray images.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an example display 500 for a cameraimaging and display system. As described above, the display 500 maydisplay images 502, 504, 506 captured by multiple cameras. As anexample, if cameras 406, 402, and 404 from FIG. 6 are utilized, images502, 504, and 506 respectively, may be displayed. Information for eachdisplayed image (e.g., camera position, camera number, etc.) may bedisplayed in conjunction with each image 502, 504, 506. When visualizedtogether, a technologist positioning the breast may accurately positionthe breast.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an imaging system 600 utilizinganother example of a display 602. The imaging system 600 includes, inrelevant part, a compression arm 604 that is connected to a compressionpaddle 606. The compression paddle 606 includes a rigid substrate 608 towhich a thick foam compressive element 610 is secured. The display 602in this example, is a convex surface disposed on the rigid substrate608. Images are captured by various cameras (not shown) disposed atvarious locations around the breast 612 that is supported by the supportplatform 614. A projector 616 disposed on the tube head projects thecaptured images down onto the display 602. Prior to projection, however,the images may be processed such that the edges of various discreteimages may be stitched together using known image processing techniques.In another example, multiple projectors may each project a discreteimage. The convex display 602 mimics somewhat the curvature of thebreast 612 disposed below the foam compressive element 610. Thisprovides a more realistic representation 618 of the breast 612, thusallowing the compression paddle 602 to appear almost“transparent,”allowing for greater ease in positioning the breast 612.

FIG. 9 depicts a method 700 of displaying an image of a breast in abreast compression system of a breast imaging system. Both breastimaging systems and the compression systems incorporated therein aredescribed elsewhere herein. In brief, the breast compression systemincludes a breast support platform and a breast compression paddle. Themethod 700 begins with supporting the breast on the breast supportplatform, operation 702. Once supported, the method 700 continues withimaging at least a portion of the breast with at least one cameradisposed on the breast compression system, operation 704. In certainexamples, a plurality of cameras may be utilized. In such a system, eachcamera may image different portions of the supported breast; as such,imaging a portion of the breast may include imaging different portionsof the breast with the cameras to obtain a plurality of images,operation 706. Next, displaying an image, operation 708, is performed.In examples, displaying an image 708 contemplates displaying the imageon a display. In other examples, displaying an image includes projectingthe image onto a screen, operation 710. In examples where multipleimages are obtained, those images may be displayed discretely (asdepicted in FIG. 7 ), or adjacent portions of the images may bedisplayed and overlapped, operation 712 (as depicted in FIG. 8 ).

As described elsewhere herein, the multiple images may be images of topsurfaces, side surfaces, front surfaces, etc. of the breast. In fact,the cameras may be disposed in any location as required or desired for aparticular purpose. In examples, the images captured may be movingimages, although still images may also have value, for example, topreserve the position of the breast when contact is made with thecompression paddle. Thus, detecting contact between the breast and thepaddle, operation 714, may be desirable. And, upon contact, freezing thedisplay may be performed, operation 716. Once the breast is stabilizedby the compression paddle, imaging the breast may be performed. In thecase of systems that utilize a screen on the compression paddle, alongwith a projector, x-ray images may be emitted towards the breast andthrough the screen, operation 718. This may occur in certain examplesbased on the contact detected in operation 714.

FIG. 10 depicts two upgrade systems 800 a, 800 b for a breast x-rayimaging system, for example, as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The upgradesystems 800 a, 800 b allow existing breast imaging systems to beenhanced without significant redesign. Upgrade system 800 a is describedfirst. The system 800 a includes a camera 802 and a bracket 804 forconnecting the camera to a compression assembly (e.g., the support arm,compression paddle, and/or breast support platform). The system 800 aalso includes a display 806 and a securement element 808 for connectingthe display 806 to the breast imaging system. In examples, the display806 may be attached via the securement element 808 (e.g., a bracket) tothe compression arm, gantry, support arm, compression assembly, or othercomponent as depicted and described elsewhere herein. The display 806may be an LCD or LED screen. The camera 802 may be connected to thedisplay 806 via a wired or wireless connection, depicted as line 810 inFIG. 10 .

The upgrade system 800 b includes a camera 802 and a bracket 804 forconnecting the camera to a compression assembly (e.g., the support arm,compression paddle, and/or breast support platform). The system 800 balso includes a display 812 and a securement element 814 for connectingthe display 812 to the breast imaging system. In this example, thedisplay 812 is a projector that may be attached via the securementelement 814 (e.g., a bracket) to the tube head of the imaging system asdepicted and described elsewhere herein. The camera 802 may be connectedto the display 812 via a wired or wireless connection, depicted as line816 in FIG. 10 . In upgrade system 800 b, the display may also includesa discrete sheet material 818 that may be secured to the compressionpaddle to act as a screen. The projector 812 projects the capturedimages at the screen.

FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a suitable operating environment 900in which one or more of the present examples can be implemented. Thisoperating environment may be incorporated directly into thevisualization systems disclosed herein, or may be incorporated into acomputer system discrete from, but used to control the visualizationsystems described herein. Such as computer system may be, e.g., the workstation depicted in FIG. 1A. This is only one example of a suitableoperating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation asto the scope of use or functionality. Other well-known computingsystems, environments, and/or configurations that can be suitable foruse include, but are not limited to, imaging systems, personalcomputers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronicssuch as smart phones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,tablets, distributed computing environments that include any of theabove systems or devices, and the like.

In its most basic configuration, operating environment 900 typicallyincludes at least one processing unit 902 and memory 904. Depending onthe exact configuration and type of computing device, memory 904(storing, among other things, instructions to control the cameras,displays, projectors, sensors, or perform other methods disclosedherein) can be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flashmemory, etc.), or some combination of the two. This most basicconfiguration is illustrated in FIG. 11 by dashed line 906. Further,environment 900 can also include storage devices (removable, 908, and/ornon-removable, 910) including, but not limited to, magnetic or opticaldisks or tape. Similarly, environment 900 can also have input device(s)914 such as touch screens, keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input, etc.,and/or output device(s) 916 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc.Also included in the environment can be one or more communicationconnections 912, such as LAN, WAN, point to point, Bluetooth, RF, etc.

Operating environment 900 typically includes at least some form ofcomputer readable media. Computer readable media can be any availablemedia that can be accessed by processing unit 902 or other deviceshaving the operating environment. By way of example, and not limitation,computer readable media can include computer storage media andcommunication media. Computer storage media includes volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any methodor technology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computerstorage media includes, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, solid state storage, or any othertangible medium which can be used to store the desired information.Communication media embodies computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signalsuch as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes anyinformation delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope of computerreadable media. A computer-readable device is a hardware deviceincorporating computer storage media.

The operating environment 900 can be a single computer operating in anetworked environment using logical connections to one or more remotecomputers. The remote computer can be a personal computer, a server, arouter, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, andtypically includes many or all of the elements described above as wellas others not so mentioned. The logical connections can include anymethod supported by available communications media. Such networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computernetworks, intranets and the Internet.

In some embodiments, the components described herein include suchmodules or instructions executable by computer system 900 that can bestored on computer storage medium and other tangible mediums andtransmitted in communication media. Computer storage media includesvolatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implementedin any method or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Combinations of any of the above should also be included within thescope of readable media. In some embodiments, computer system 900 ispart of a network that stores data in remote storage media for use bythe computer system 900.

FIG. 12 is an embodiment of a network 950 in which the various systemsand methods disclosed herein may operate. In embodiments, a clientdevice, such as client device 952, may communicate with one or moreservers, such as servers 954 and 956, via a network 958. In embodiments,a client device may be a standalone imaging system (e.g., imaging system100 depicted in FIG. 1A) that includes all the functionality describedherein. The client device may also include or incorporate a laptop, apersonal computer, a smart phone, a PDA, a netbook, or any other type ofcomputing device, such as the computing device in FIG. 11 . In examples,such a client device may be connected to an imaging system. Inembodiments, servers 954 and 956 may also be any type of computingdevice, such as the computing device illustrated in FIG. 12 . Network958 may be any type of network capable of facilitating communicationsbetween the client device and one or more servers 954 and 956. Forexample, the surface image data and the internal image data may beacquired locally via the imaging systems and communicated to anothercomputing device(s) for further processing, such as an image acquisitionworkstation or a cloud-based service. Examples of such networks include,but are not limited to, LANs, WANs, cellular networks, and/or theInternet.

In embodiments, the various systems and methods disclosed herein may beperformed by one or more server devices. For example, in one embodiment,a single server, such as server 954 may be employed to perform thesystems and methods disclosed herein, such as the methods for imagingdiscussed herein. Client device 952 may interact with server 954 vianetwork 958. In further embodiments, the client device 952 may alsoperform functionality disclosed herein, such as scanning and imageprocessing, which can then be provided to servers 954 and/or 956.

This disclosure described some examples of the present technology withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of thepossible examples were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theexamples set forth herein. Rather, these examples were provided so thatthis disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scopeof the possible examples to those skilled in the art.

Although specific examples were described herein, the scope of thetechnology is not limited to those specific examples. One skilled in theart will recognize other examples or improvements that are within thescope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure,acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Examplesaccording to the technology may also combine elements or components ofthose that are disclosed in general but not expressly exemplified incombination, unless otherwise stated herein. The scope of the technologyis defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for imaging a breast, the systemcomprising: a gantry; a tube head rotatably coupled to the gantry; anx-ray source disposed within the tube head; a support arm movablycoupled to the gantry, wherein the support arm comprises a breastsupport platform; an x-ray detector disposed within the breast supportplatform; an immobilization arm movably coupled to the support arm; animmobilization paddle coupled to the immobilization arm, wherein thebreast support platform and the immobilization paddle at least partiallydefine an immobilization volume for immobilizing a breast; at least onecamera disposed adjacent an interface between the support arm and thebreast support platform and arranged so as to capture images of theimmobilization volume; and an image display at least partially disposedon the system, wherein the image display is configured to display theimages of the immobilization volume captured by the at least one camera.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the image display comprises at leastone of an LED display, an LCD display, and a screen.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the image display comprises the screen and the systemfurther comprises a projector disposed on at least one of the tube headand the support arm.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the screen issubstantially convex.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least onecamera comprises a plurality of cameras.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the at least one camera is secured to at least one of thesupport arm, the immobilization arm, and the immobilization paddle. 7.The system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of cameras are distributedalong an edge of the immobilization volume.
 8. The system of claim 3,wherein the projector comprises a plurality of projectors.
 9. The systemof claim 3, wherein the screen is disposed on the immobilization paddle,along a path of an x-ray emitted from the x-ray source.
 10. A method ofdisplaying an image of a breast in a breast immobilization system havinga breast support platform and an immobilization paddle, the methodcomprising: supporting the breast on the beast support platform; imagingat least a portion of the supported breast with at least one cameradisposed on the breast immobilization system adjacent the breast supportplatform; and displaying at least a portion of the image, wherein theimage is a moving image.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the imageis displayed on a display.
 12. The method of claim 10, whereindisplaying the image comprises projecting the image to a screen.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the at least one camera comprises aplurality of cameras and wherein the imaging operation comprises imagingdifferent portions of the supported breast with the plurality of camerasso as to obtain multiple images.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thedisplaying operation comprises displaying the multiple images and atleast partially overlapping adjacent portions of the multiple images.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the multiple images comprise imagesof at least a top surface and at least a side surface of the breast. 16.The method of claim 10, further comprising detecting contact between atleast a portion of the immobilization paddle and the breast.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the image is a moving image and wherein themethod further comprises freezing display of the moving image based atleast in part on the detected contact.
 18. The method of claim 16,further comprising emitting an x-ray towards the breast based at leastin part on the detected contact.
 19. An upgrade system for a breastx-ray imaging system comprising a tube head having an x-ray source, asupport arm having a breast support platform with an x-ray detector, andan immobilization arm moveably coupled to the support arm, the upgradesystem comprising: an immobilization paddle configured to couple to theimmobilization arm, wherein when the immobilization paddle is coupled tothe immobilization arm, the breast support platform and theimmobilization paddle at least partially define an immobilization volumefor immobilizing a breast; at least one camera configured to coupleadjacent an interface between the support arm and the breast supportplatform and arrangeable to capture images of the immobilization volume;and a display configured to display the images of the immobilizationvolume captured by the at least one camera.
 20. The upgrade system ofclaim 19, wherein the display comprises at least one of an LCD screenand an LED screen, and wherein the upgrade system further comprises asecurement element for connecting the display to at least one of theimmobilization arm and the immobilization paddle.
 21. The upgrade systemof claim 19, wherein the display comprises a projector, and wherein theupgrade system further comprises a securement element for connecting theprojector to the tube head.
 22. The upgrade system of claim 19, furthercomprising a sheet material securable to the immobilization paddle.